The Latest Innovation In Laser Vision Correction Advanced Surface Treatment has taken laser vision correction to a new level. The latest development is an excellent new alternative that merits consideration by just about anyone requiring vision correction. Advanced Surface Treatment is an especially good option for people who have been previously advised that their eyes are not suitable for LASIK, or whose active lifestyles may have precluded them from having that procedure. Laser Vision Correction is now in its second decade of providing excellent vision to millions of people every year, while reducing or eliminating their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The FDA initially approved it in 1995 to treat nearsightedness by removing small amounts of corneal tissue from the surface of the eye with a procedure called Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, or PRK. However, laser vision correction got off to a slow start with PRK because it was not very popular with patients, primarily due to complaints of postoperative discomfort and a relatively slow return of functional vision. In the quest to improve patient acceptance of this life-altering vision correction procedure, surgeons adopted a new procedure known as LASIK. With LASIK, an instrument called a microkeratome, or femtosecond laser, creates a relatively thick, corneal flap that is folded back. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to remove the proper amount of tissue from the stroma, the middle layer of the cornea, and returns the flap to its original position. LASIK has proven to be very popular with doctors and patients. For most patients, functional vision returns very quickly, and they experience little, if any, postoperative discomfort. But, LASIK is not an ideal procedure for everyone. To be a good candidate for LASIK, the cornea has to be of sufficient thickness to allow for the creation of the flap and the removal of the proper amount of tissue. If patients' corneas are too thin, if they have itchy and dry eyes, or if they're simply uncomfortable with the thought of having a corneal flap created, they would be better candidates for surface treatment. Benefits of Advanced Surface Treatment Preserves the Structural Integrity of the Cornea Especially Suitable for Patients with Active Lifestyles or Occupations Better for Patients with Thin Corneas Less Likely to Induce or Worsen Dry Eye Potentially Better Visual Outcomes A surgeon performing an Advanced Surface Treatment procedure uses a precise instrument called an epikeratome to gently separate the epithelium, the very thin, outer layer of the cornea, and to leave a very smooth surface for laser treatment. The cornea is then reshaped with an excimer laser. During the healing process, the epithelium is replaced by the regeneration of new epithelial cells over the treated area. Realistic Expectations The goal of any laser vision correction procedure is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Although the recovery time with Advanced Surface Treatment is longer, and for some there may be more postoperative discomfort (which is easily managed by medication), these trade-offs are temporary and certainly worth consideration, especially in light of the long-term safety and potentially better visual outcomes. It is also important to know that Advanced Surface Treatment does not always create perfect vision and that we cannot guarantee that it will eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. As with any medical procedure, there are risks and possible complications. We will provide you with additional information about the procedure, possible side effects and complications, the postoperative healing course, and possible alternative procedures that will allow you to make an informed decision. Be sure to have all of your questions answered before you give your consent to have the procedure. The Next Step Schedule an appointment to have an assessment of the health and unique characteristics of you eyes. This first step toward visual independence, along with a discussion about your lifestyle needs and visual expectations, will help determine if Advanced Surface Treatment is the right procedure for you.